Body exercising and re-education apparatus

ABSTRACT

A body exercising and re-education apparatus comprises a plane face adapted to support a user&#39;&#39;s back and a triangular pad mounted facing said plane face on a screw by means of which the pad can apply a static pressure against the user&#39;&#39;s abdomen. The apparatus also includes means for holding down the user&#39;&#39;s shoulders and means for supporting his back with a dynamic pressure. In addition it can include a pair of pivoted channelpieces for receiving the user&#39;&#39;s arms and progressively moving them together to and from a position in extension of his body.

United States Patent n91 Chavanne Sept. 9, 1975 l l l l BODY EXERCISINGAND RIB-EDUCATION APPARATUS Rene Chavanne, l0 rue Battant, Besancon,France, 25000 Filed: Sept. 7, 1973 Appl. No.: 395,260

[76] Inventor:

US. Cl 272/58; l28/70; [28/25 R Int. Cl A63b 23/02 Field of Searchl28/68-7 l References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 4/l895 WodruiT 272/57R l2/l9ll) Langworthyu v. 128/7] 8/1970 Hazelitt a. 272/58 OTHERPUBLICATIONS Hoke, American Jour. of Orthopedic Surgery, 1903,

Primary Examiner-Richard C. Pinkham Assistant Examiner.loseph R. TaylorAttorney. Agent, or FirmRobert E. Burns; Emmanuel J. bobato; Bruce L.Adams [57] ABSTRACT A body exercising and re-education apparatuscomprises a plane face adapted to support a user's back and a triangularpad mounted facing said plane face on a screw by means of which the padcan apply a static pressure against the users abdomen. The apparatusalso includes means for holding down the users shoulders and means forsupporting his back with a dynamic pressure. In addition it can includea pair of pivoted channehpieces for receiving the user's arms andprogressively moving them together to and from a position in extensionof his body.

6 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTED SEP 9 i975 SHEET 2 OF 3 BODYEXERCISING AND RE-EDUCATION APPARATUS The invention relates to bodyexercising and reeducation apparatus and is particularly concerned withapparatus suitable for the re-education of respiration, for thecorrection of deformations of the vertebral column, for the improvementof shoulder articulations by elongation of the ligaments and muscles.and for combinations of these treatments.

For the sake of good health, it is vital to ensure correct andharmonious functioning of the digestive. circulatory and respiratorysystems.

The blood circulatory system includes a pump, the heart, and acirculatory network of blood vessels formed by arteries and veins. Thenetwork is completed by the pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veinsleading to the lungs in which blood is regenerated by the oxygen in theinhaled air.

The lungs are formed by two inert spongy masses which follow themovements dictated by the thoracic cage when it expands as a function ofthe action of the diaphragm and of the intercostal i.e. inhaling andexhaling muscles. The intercostal muscles act by lifting up and loweringthe ribs. An extension of the thoracic cage enables the air-cells of thelungs to dilate and absorb a maximum of oxygen; relaxation of thediaphragm and contraction of the intcrcostal muscles causes exhalationof the used air.

For women, the child-bearing function in principle limits downwardmovement of the diaphragm, and respiration is of a type known as "uppercostal" determined by the roman" shape of the thoracic cage. For men.respiration is diaphragmatic and the upper part of the thoracic cage isof gothic shape.

To carry out their function in an optimal manner. the lungs must providethe greatest possible circulation of air. Since the lungs are integral"with the thoracic cage, their volume depends on its expansion. When, asa result of a lack of physical exercise, the inhaling and exhalingmuscles undergo atrophy, the normal expansion and lifting up of the ribsdiminishes and progres sively the increase in volume of the thoraciccage is provided solely by the diaphragm. The respiratory capacity thusdiminishes to the detriment of the regeneration of the blood and thecorrect functioning of other members of the body such as the heart andthe digestive system.

This danger is particularly acute for men who wear belts instead ofbraces since, little by little, the diaphragmic breathing becomesabdominal causing an atrophisation of the inhaling and exhaling musclesand consequently deformation of the ribs about their axes. This inactionof the thoracic cage causes a sinking of the front part thereof.

Although many physical exercises are known for correcting variousphysical deformations, these exercises are generally recommended as apreventitive measure and. in the absence of suitable constrainingapparatus, are not always efficient for the correction of specificdeformations. Exercises are also often brutal and create an apprehensionand tension of the patient which create fear of the re-education lessonsand in many cases cause a rapid abandonment of these lessons.

A primary object of the invention is to provide a body exercising andre-education apparatus which can be used to correct the above-indicatedfaults in breathing.

According to the invention. such an apparatus comprises a plane faceadapted to support a user's back. a piece mounted facing said planeface. said piece being adapted to fit against the user's abdomen, andmeans for adjusting the position of said piece relative to the planeface to apply a static pressure on the users abdomen.

lt is also known that deformations of the vertebral column, for examplecyphosis (exaggerated curvature of the upper part of the spine), areoften caused by in correct postures when standing. sitting or layingdown. both in the course of everyday activities and professionalactivities.

In view of the interdependence of the various vital functions of thehuman body, the re-education of deformations of the vertebral columnmust be considered in the context of the correct operation of therespiratory, circulatory and digestive systems. in particular. thecorrect operation of the lungs is directly related to its movementswhich are dictated by the thoracic cage. The latter consists of a box ofribs whose inner volume is modified by the action of the intercostalmuscles and by movement of the diaphragm.

The configuration of the vertebral column and the state of therespiratory system in turn act on the opera tion of the digestive andcirculatory system. However. as the muscular energy is supplied by theassimilation of digested food, it is observed that the correct operationof the respiratory and digestive systems and the correct positioning oftheir respective members by a normal configuration of the vertebralcolumn are interdependent.

A secondary object of the invention is to provide an apparatus forcorrection of deformations of the verte' bral column. which cansimultaneously by used for the re-education of respiration. For thispurpose. the above-defined apparatus according to the invention isprovided with means on said plane face for supporting the users backwith a dynamic pressure. and means for applying a static pressure on theusers shoulders in a direction towards said plane face.

In as much as cyphosis is generally accompanied by a permanent forwarddeformation of the shoulders a further object of the invention is toprovide an apparatus for providing a controllable elastic elongation ofthe muscles and ligaments of the shoulders, which can be combined with acorrection of respiratory deformations. For this purpose, theabove-defined apparatus according to the invention. in which the planeface has a major longitudinal axis, further comprises at least onemember mounted for pivoting movement relative to said plane face about apivoting axis parallel to the plane of said face and transverse to saidlongitudinal axis, and means for holding the users arms in generallyparallel-spaced apart relationship on said at least one member in aplane passing through an axis parallel to said pivoting axis, wherebythe user's arms can be progressively moved together to and from aposition in extension of his body and generally parallel to saidlongitudinal axis.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example,with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of basic parts of a firstembodiment of the new apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing treatment of a person by the firstembodiment; and

FIGS. 3 and 4 and FIGS. and 6 are views similar to FIGS. 1 and 2respectively of second and third embodimerits.

With reference to FIG, 1, the apparatus shown comprises a verticallydisposed plane face I mounted on a standing base including a platform 2.A pair of spacedapart vertical arms 3 are mounted on platform 2 facingand equally spaced apart from face I. A slide member 4 is supported bycables 5 passing about pullies 6 at the top ends of arms 3 andcounterweights (not shown) disposed in the hollow arms 3. Member 4 isthus mounted for sliding movement along arms 3 and carries a fixed nut11 between the arms 3, the nut 11 having an axis perpendicular to faceI. In nut II is threadably engaged a screw 7 having a manually actuablehandle 8 at its outer end. At its inner end. i.e. between nut 11 andface I, the screw 7 has a second manually actuable handle 10, and onthis end of screw 7 is mounted a pad 9 free to rotate about the axis ofscrew 7. but fixed with the screw 7 for movement therewith perpendicularto face I. The pad 9 is preferably mounted to allow a slight tiltingmovement thereof relative to the axis of screw 7 and, as shown, has theconfiguration of a rounded substantially equilateral triangle. Thedimensions of pad 9 are such that a rounded apex of the triangle canlodge under a users sternum, with the sides of the triangle adjacent tosaid rounded apex disposed adjacent to the users sternal ribs.

In use, a patient stands on the platform 2, with his (or her) backagainst face The height of member 4 is then set so that the pad 9 facesthe patients sternum. The screw 7 is then turned, either by an assistantacting on handle 8 or by the patient acting on handle 10, to bring pad 9against the patient'sternum to apply a static pressure thereon, asindicated by arrow A, FIG. 2. In this position, the patient, whose armsremain free, can carry out various gymnastic exercises or simply deepbreathing exercises. The static pressure on the abdomen preventsdownward movement of the diaphgram, and increase in the volume of thelungs can only be achieved by action of the intercostal muscles to swellthe volume of the thoracic cage. The diaphragm can only acttransversely. In this manner, a patient can de velop costal respirationand improve operation of his lungs by limbering the inhaling andexhaling muscles. The reduction of abdominal respiration improvesfunctioning of the digestive system by relieving the pressure exerted oncertain organs by the diaphragm, and also enables reforming of thethoracic cage.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, which comprises means for correction ofdeformations of the vertebral column, parts similar or identical toparts of the first embodiment are indicated by the same referencenumerals with prime designations. In this embodiment, plane face 1' isformed by a table top. The table has a major longitudinal axis, andincludes rails 12 mounted along the longitudinal edges of the table top.An arch-like frame 13 spanning the tabletop in a direction transverse tothe longitudinal axis is mounted for sliding movement along rails 12 bymeans of carriages I each provided with a handle 13b for locking member13 in a desired position. Nut 11' is mounted centrally on member 13, andcarries a vertical screw 7' with handles 8' and 10' and a pad 9'.

A second transverse arch-like frame 14 is also slid ably mounted alongrails 12 by means of carriages 14a provided with locking handles 14b. Arail-forming rod 15 is mounted in parallel spaced-apart relationship toan upper cross-beam of frame 14 and slidably carries a pair of blocks 16and 17 provided with handles 16a and respectively for locking them inposition. Blocks l6, 17 have bores slidably receiving rods 16b, 17bcarrying, at their lower ends, arcuate pieces 16c, 170 respectively. Theblocks l6, 17 also have handles 16d, 17d respectively for locking rods16h, l7b with their pieces 16c, 170 at a desired height.

The table also includes, towards the end on which frame 14 is mounted,means designated generally by 18 for supporting a patients back with adynamic pressure. The table top has a generally rectangular opening 19in which a support plate 20 is mounted parallel to face I. An upper,back-supporting plate 21 is resiliently mounted on plate 20 by means offour compression springs 22, whereby plate 21 can move in a directionperpendicular to face 1' and can tilt relative to face I in response tothe pressure applied thereon. The support plate 20 is held by a verticalscrew 23 threadably engaged in a bracket 24 on the underneath of thetable top, whereby the height of plate 20 relative to face I can beadjusted by turning a wheel 25 on screw 23, to enable the height ofplate 22 to be adjusted so that it protrudes from face I'.

In use to correct deformations of the vertebral column of a patient andsimultaneously re-educate his (or her) breathing, the patient lies onface I with his (or her) back disposed so that the shoulder blades areadjacent to plate 22. Frame 13 is then moved along to bring pad 9' abovethe patients abdomen, and is locked in position by handles 13b. Anassistant then turns handle 8' to bring pad 9' down into the patientsabdomen to apply a static pressure thereon, as indicated by arrow A,FIG. 4. Frame 14 is then moved into alignment with the patientsshoulders, and is locked by handles 14!). The pieces 16c, l7c are nextadjusted to a suitable separation and height and are locked by means ofhandles 16a, 16d and I70, l7d respectively to hold down the patientsshoulders with a static face B, as indicated in FIG. 4. The assistant ormasseur then turns wheel 25 to raise plate 20 and make the top surfaceof plate 21 apply an upward force C (FIG. 4) on the patients back, thisforce being dynamic in the sense that it varies in amplitude and in itsposition and direction of application in response to the pressureapplied thereon by the patient. In this position, the patient is obligedto employ a costal-type of respiration. Each time that the thoracic cageexpands, by the action of the raising muscles of the ribs and transverseexpansion of the diaphragm, plate 21 compresses springs 22, energy thusstored in springs 22. The stored energy is released and lifts up theshoulder blades when the patient passes to the second phase ofrespiration.

The described apparatus can be adjusted to take into account the sizeand degree of deformation of the patient. During treatment, the patientcan himself adjust the pressure on his abdomen, by means of handle 7'.

The third embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, is an apparatus for reeducationof the shoulder articulations and the respiration, and parts identicalor similar to parts of the first two embodiments are indicated by thesame reference numerals with double prime designations. A plane face 1''is formed by a table top provided with longitudinal side rails 12" onwhich a transverse archlike frame 13" is slidably mounted. An oblong pad9" is supported on frame 13" by means of a nut 11" and .tet

a screw 7" with handles 8" and 10''. The rails 12" extend alongapproximately four fifths of the length of the table top, and atransverse shaft 26 is fixed adjacent the ends of rails 12" in a pair ofside lugs 27.

On shaft 26, which protrudes slightly above face 1 l are slidably andpivotally mounted a pair of channelsection arms 28,29 connected at theirfree ends by a cross-piece along which they can slide towards and awayfrom one another. The arms 28,29 are thus held parallel to one anotherwith the bottom of the channel sections in a plane passing through anaxis parallel to shaft 26. Arms 28,29 are provided with straps 2811.291:respectively for holding a patients arms therein.

In use, a patient lies with his (or her) back on face 1" with his (orher) head disposed between arms 28,29. The frame 13'' is moved to bringpad 9" above the patients abdomen and screw 7" is turned to bring thepad 9" to press down on the abdomen. After setting of the spacing ofarms 28,29, the patient places his arms therein where they are held bystraps 28a, 29a.

The treatment consists of pivoting the arms 28,29 by means of anexterior force, for example an assistant grasping cross-piece 30, so asto cause an elongation of the ligaments and muscles in the patientsshoulder articulations. At the beginning of treatment, it is desireablefor the stress applied to the patients arms to be very moderate, forexample moving between the vertical position and a position inclined at45 to plane 1'. Progressivcly. by acting in the direction of arrow D. itwill be possible to reach a position in extension of his body andgenerally parallel to plane 1'. Simultaneously, pad 9" exerts a force Aon the patient's abdomen. obliging him (or her) to develop the costa]part of the thoracic cage so that the entire upper part of the skeletonis re-educated and deformations corrected.

The described apparatus can be used by a patient without aid. by usingthe handle 10" to turn screw 7".

Of course, many modifications can be made to the described embodiments.For example, adjustment of the various movable elements could bemotorized, for example using hydraulic or pneumatic devices, and couldbe provided with a remote control system, or a control panel accessibleto the patient, The plane face could, instead of being either verticalor horizontal, be inclined or inclinable. The apparatus could also bemade to dimensions suitable for the treatment of children and evenbabies.

What is claimed is:

1. Body exercising apparatus, comprising; support means including platemeans defining a surface for elastically supporting at least parts of auser's back on said plate means and for thereby applying to said parts adynamic pressure; means facing said support means for applying a staticpressure to the users abdomen, directed toward the support means; andmeans for applying a static pressure to the users shoulders. also in adirection towards said support means.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which said means comprise facemeans defining a plane face for statically supporting at least lowerparts of a user's back; said plate means being surrounded by said planeface and located for supporting upper parts of a users back; and springmeans for mounting said plate means for movement in directions generallyperpendicular to said plane face and for tilting movement relative tosaid plane face in response to pressure applied to said plate means bysaid upper parts of a users back.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 including a sup port plate parallel tosaid plane face. supporting said spring means and thereby said platemeans surrounded by said plane face; and means for adjusting theposition of said support plate relative to said plane face in adirection perpendicular to said plane face.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support means comprises atable having an elongate table top which has a longitudinal axis anddefines a plane surface; said means for applying pressure to the abdomencomprising a member traverse of said axis and slidable along said axis.and a pad adjustably mounted on said member for adjustably applying saidstatic pressure to the users abdomen.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which said means for applyingstatic pressure to the shoulders comprise a second member spanning saidtable top in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis, saidsecond member being mounted on said rails for sliding movement along thedirection of said longitudinal axis. two arcuatc shoulder-piecesadjustably mounted on said second member for movement in a directiontransverse to said plane surface, and means for securing saidshoulder-pieces in selected positions on said second member.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, in which said support means comprisea plate protruding from said plane surface at a location for supportinga users back, and spring means for mounting said plate for movement in adirection perpendicular to said plane surface and for tilting movementrelative to said plane surface in response to pressure applied to saidplate.

1. Body exercising apparatus, comprising; support means including platemeans defining a surface for elastically supporting at least parts of auser''s back on said plate means and for thereby applying to said partsa dynamic pressure; means facing said support means for applying astatic pressure to the user''s abdomen, directed toward the supportmeans; and means for applying a static pressure to the user''sshoulders, also in a direction towards said support means.
 2. Apparatusaccording to claim 1, in which said means comprise face means defining aplane face for statically supporting at least lower parts of a user''sback; said plate means being surrounded by said plane face and locatedfor supporting upper parts of a user''s back; and spring means formounting said plate means for movement in directions generallyperpendicular to said plane face and for tilting movement relative tosaid plane face in response to pressure applied to said plate means bysaid upper parts of a user''s back.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 2including a support plate parallel to said plane face, supporting saidspring means and thereby said plate means surrounded by said plane face;and means for adjusting the position of said support plate relative tosaid plane face in a direction perpendicular to said plane face. 4.Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said support means comprises atable having an elongate table top which has a longitudinal axis anddefines a plane surface; said means for applying pressure to the abdomencomprising a member traverse of said axis and slidable along said axis,and a pad adjustably mounted on said member for adjustably applying saidstatic pressure to the user''s abdomen.
 5. Apparatus according to claim4 in which said means for applying static pressure to the shoulderscomprise a second member spanning said table top in a directiontransverse to said longitudinal axis, said second member being mountedon said rails for sliding movement along the direction of saidlongitudinal axis, two arcuate shoulder-pieces adjustably mounted onsaid second member for movemenT in a direction transverse to said planesurface, and means for securing said shoulder-pieces in selectedpositions on said second member.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, inwhich said support means comprise a plate protruding from said planesurface at a location for supporting a user''s back, and spring meansfor mounting said plate for movement in a direction perpendicular tosaid plane surface and for tilting movement relative to said planesurface in response to pressure applied to said plate.